Many persons grieved at the depressed fortunes of the once powerful
Gonzagos, but there were others who sneered at their present
degradation, enjoying the cruel mockery with which Alberoni had forced
the man who had cherished hopes of succeeding as heir-at-law to his
immense estates, to witness the downfall of those flattering
expectations. Few and slight were the salutations which passed between
the dejected pair and the more illustrious guests; but as the bride made
the circuit of the apartments, she paused when approaching her husband's
neglected relatives, and raising eyes swimming with drops of sympathy,
greeted them with unaffected tenderness. Francesco was unprepared for
the gentle kindness of her address; his stern heart melted, his proud
glance suddenly changed to one of gracious courtesy; he gazed upon her
as upon some angelic being sent down from heaven to soothe and gladden
his perturbed soul; and henceforward he saw nothing in the glare, and
the crowd, and the splendour around him, save the sweet face and the
delicate form of the Countess Alberoni; his charmed eyes followed her
from place to place, and so entirely was he engrossed by one object,
that he did not perceive that the attention of Beatrice was almost
wholly occupied by a young and sprightly cavalier, who pursued her like
a shadow, pouring tender tales in a not unwilling ear. Group by group
the guests retired from the festive scene, and the brother and sister,
scarcely able to define the new feelings which sprung up in the heart of
each, quitted the magnificent palace to seek their forlorn abode.
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